Introduction
Global Air Freight Learnings from H1 2025
The first half of 2025 has seen notable shifts in the global air freight landscape. A change in U.S. leadership is reshaping trade policies, creating ripple effects across procurement strategies, capacity planning, and cost structures. In this edition of Air Freight Pulse, DSV provides a detailed analysis of the evolving market conditions—including economic indicators, regulatory updates, rate developments, and technological advancements. We also examine the growing influence of environmental and sustainability initiatives, which continue to reshape the transport and logistics industry.
Air Index
Global Trends
Regional Breakdown
Global Trends
The DSV Air Index reveals a dynamic and evolving market. In Q4 2024, Transatlantic Westbound rates surged due to capacity cuts and pre-stocking ahead of a potential ILA strike. Eastbound routes remained stable due to trade imbalances. Asia outbound rates increased steadily through 2024 and began to level off in early 2025.
Regional Breakdown
Americas
- Stable outbound capacity.
- Freighter activity focused on perishables (e.g., flowers from Colombia).
EMEA
- Transatlantic belly capacity increasing with summer schedules.
- Freighter capacity being reallocated due to tariff impacts.
APAC
- Asia outbound is the only region showing YoY growth.
- High-value tech shipments (AI-related) driving demand.
Global Trends
Global Trends
The DSV Air Index reveals a dynamic and evolving market. In Q4 2024, Transatlantic Westbound rates surged due to capacity cuts and pre-stocking ahead of a potential ILA strike. Eastbound routes remained stable due to trade imbalances. Asia outbound rates increased steadily through 2024 and began to level off in early 2025.
Regional Breakdown
Regional Breakdown
Americas
- Stable outbound capacity.
- Freighter activity focused on perishables (e.g., flowers from Colombia).
EMEA
- Transatlantic belly capacity increasing with summer schedules.
- Freighter capacity being reallocated due to tariff impacts.
APAC
- Asia outbound is the only region showing YoY growth.
- High-value tech shipments (AI-related) driving demand.
Capacity
Global airfreight capacity has grown by 3% YoY, primarily driven by increased freighter utilization. The flower trade from Colombia and Kenya has significantly contributed to this growth, especially around Valentine’s Day.
However, a decline in charter activity from China and Hong Kong has been observed post-holiday season, reflecting the impact of U.S. policy changes. Belly capacity is expected to rise with summer schedules, particularly on Transatlantic routes, while freighter airlines may shift focus to underserved markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent.
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Global Growth
+3% YoY, driven by freighter utilization.
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Belly vs Freighter
Belly capacity rising on passenger routes; freighter networks shifting toward underserved markets.
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Regional Highlights: Colombia/Kenya
Flower trade boosted capacity.
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Regional Highlights: China/Hong Kong
Charter activity declined post-holiday due to U.S. policy changes.
Capacity growth in 2025 is expected to be limited, with the existing freighter fleet used fully.
Ryan Keyrouse, CEO, Rotate
Sustainability
The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is phasing out free allowances, with 100% of emissions counted by 2026. This will increase operational costs for airlines and may lead to higher fares. Airlines are incentivized to invest in SAF, fuel-efficient aircraft, and carbon offsetting.
Implications include competitive pressure on EU carriers, reinvestment of ETS revenue in green aviation, and alignment with global climate goals such as CORSIA.
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EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)
- Phase-out of free allowances: 100% counted by 2026.
- Impact: Higher costs for airlines → potential fare increases.
- Incentives: Push toward SAF, fuel-efficient aircraft, and carbon offsetting. -
Implications
- Competitive pressure on EU carriers
- Revenue from ETS reinvested in green aviation
- Alignment with global climate goals (CORSIA)
Consumer Interest
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Headwinds
- Ocean Freight Gains: Suez Canal improvements shifting cargo from air to sea.
- US Tariffs: Causing sourcing shifts and capacity reshuffling. -
Demand Drivers
AI Boom: High-value, time-sensitive tech shipments from Southeast Asia and Taiwan.
- Diversified Sourcing: Growth in airfreight from India, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Industry Leaders & Executive Corner
Executive View
Procurement Strategy
Trade Policy Outlook
“The U.S. has extended its reciprocal tariff program to August 1, 2025, with rates up to 70% for some countries.”
Pete Mento, Commercial Director, US Customs & Compliance, DSV
“Our ‘3+ model’ combines local, regional, and global procurement with a proprietary Charter Network.”
Mikkel Knudsen, Director Product Strategy and Development, Global, DSV
“Tariffs may drive short-term volatility and surges in air cargo traffic. Industries like tech and pharma may rely more on airfreight to bypass bottlenecks.”
Mads Ravn, President Air & Sea, North America, DSV
Executive View
“The U.S. has extended its reciprocal tariff program to August 1, 2025, with rates up to 70% for some countries.”
Pete Mento, Commercial Director, US Customs & Compliance, DSV
Procurement Strategy
“Our ‘3+ model’ combines local, regional, and global procurement with a proprietary Charter Network.”
Mikkel Knudsen, Director Product Strategy and Development, Global, DSV
Trade Policy Outlook
“Tariffs may drive short-term volatility and surges in air cargo traffic. Industries like tech and pharma may rely more on airfreight to bypass bottlenecks.”
Mads Ravn, President Air & Sea, North America, DSV
Access the full Air freight Market update
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